MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 25, 2009
The regular monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, August 25, 2009, in the Council Chambers
on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J.
Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis,
Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
Councilor Jerry Barnes took his seat at 5:32 p.m., and Councilor Evelyn Woodson
took her seat at 5:35 p.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Mark Liedtke, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE: Led by Mayor Jim Wetherington
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH MR. GEORGE CORRADINO AND SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE BOB BARR BAND
STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____________
A Resolution (290-09) ? Commending Mr. George Corradino upon his
retirement as conductor and music director of the Bob Barr Community Band.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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WITH EACH OF THOSE THREE INDIVIDUALS NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT
THE COUNCIL TALBE, THE
FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE READ IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
A Resolution (291-09) ? Commending Brian Sillitto, selected as a ?Five
Under 40 Rising Star? by Columbus and the Valley Magazine and the Greater
Columbus, Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
A Resolution (292-09) ? Commending Brad Clements, selected as a ?Five
Under 40 Rising Star? by Columbus and the Valley Magazine and the Greater
Columbus, Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
A Resolution (293-09) ? Commending William Taylor, selected as a ?Five
Under 40? by Columbus and the Valley Magazine and the Greater Columbus, Georgia
Chamber of Commerce.
Councilor Anthony moved the adoption of the resolutions. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the August 11, 2009 Council Meeting of
the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted
and approved by the Council. Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
City Attorney Fay said the property located at 8200 Stevens Lane, which is
proposed for a Special Exception Use, the petitioner has asked for a delay on
this matter until September 22nd. He also said the text amendment on the
Unified Development Ordinance, Victory Drive Overlay; we have a request to
delay the public hearing until September 8th. He then asked if there were
anyone present on tonight that would like to be heard on these items or have
any questions. There were none.
He said those items were advertised, but then delayed and this is why he
is making the announcement tonight.
City Manager Hugley said he don?t think the Victory Drive Overlay was
scheduled to be on the Agenda tonight, but we had simply advertised it.
He said the announcements that the City Attorney made were not scheduled or on
the Agenda tonight. However, City Attorney Fay said there was some ads ran so
he wanted to make sure that everyone knew they were going to be postponed.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
________________________________
An Ordinance (09-43) ? Rezoning property located at 506 23rd Street from
RMF2 (Residential Multi Family 2) zoning district to RMF1 (Residential Multi
Family 1) zoning district. (15-CA-09-Neighbor Works Columbus)) The proposed use
is for Single Family Home.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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An Ordinance (09-44) ? Rezoning property located at 2416 Warm Springs Road
from RO (Residential Office w/Conditions) zoning district to RO (Residential
Office w/Amended Conditions) zoning district. Interested parties may reference
Zoning Ordinance 01-35. (16-CA-09-Cummings) The proposed use is for Medical
Office.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:___________________________________________________
An Ordinance (09-45) ? Providing for the demolition of various structures
located at:
(1) 11 Mathews Street (Earl Barbour, Owner)
(2) 822 Coolidge Avenue (Rickey Lee Corbin, Owner)
(3) 927 Benning Drive (William F. Jenkins, Owner)
(4) 2014 13th Avenue (Phillip Darryl McCall, Owner)
(5) 9 Mathews Street (Thomas Alton & Boyce III, McRae, Owner)
(6) 4429 St. Mary?s Road (Oretha Williams Olds, Owner)
(7) 6416 Dorsey Drive (Susie Parham, Owner)
(8) 558 Parkchester Drive (Crawford B. Smith, Jr., Owner)
(9) 2836 10th Street (10th B Real Estate Hold Trust, Owner)
(10) 2840 10th Street (10th B Real Estate Hold Trust, Owner)
(11) 1721 Lincoln Street (King & Freddie Willis, Owner)
(12) 1723 Lincoln Street (King & Freddie Willis, Owner)
and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Division in accordance
with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet.
City Attorney Fay said we have a request from Attorney Wayne Spence on one
of the properties that is scheduled for demolition and then called upon
Councilor Allen to speak to this issue.
Councilor Allen said the staff has agreed to administratively
give them (Wayne Spence?s client) 30 days to get any work that they can get
done on the property completed; basically move to the bottom of the list.
He said they got it worked out, and it will remain on the demolition list but
if the work is not accomplished then they will take appropriate action at that
point. (No reference was made to which property this was in reference to.)
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:______________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
deleting from the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus, Georgia? the street
segment and right-of-way of Redd Avenue beginning at the south right-of-way
line of 23rd Street and running south to the end of the existing street
right-of-way a distance of 70 feet plus/minus; providing that all existing
utility easements of record remain in effect and providing appropriate width as
required by the applicable utility companies will be reserved for unknown
utilities; authorizing the disposal of said property in accordance with the
Columbus Charter; repealing any conflicting ordinances; and for other
purposes.
City Attorney Fay said this is not a used street and we are simply
conveying a small parcel to the adjacent property owner, who is the same owner
on both sides of the property. He then pointed out that the ordinance would be
voted on in two weeks.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said he would like to have a short executive session to
talk about some potential litigation after the adjournment of tonight?s
meeting.
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RESIDENTS OF BATTLE FORREST/BUNKER HILL:
Councilor Hunter said he wanted to take this opportunity to thank the
Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Barnes, Police Chief Boren and
his staff for coming out to Battle Forrest and Bunker Hill on last week at the
Liberty Baptist Church and speaking to the residents who live in that community
to address their concerns pertaining to crime. He said they really appreciated
it and appreciated the fact that Councilor Barnes and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
came along with the Chief of Police.
He said in addition to the crime concerns, one thing that was evidently
clear that the people there do want some kind of traffic calming devices in the
neighborhood, especially on Gettysburg Way and Bunker Hill Road.
He said he did receive an email from the City Manager?s office pertaining to
that issue. He said he thinks that they made that point crystal clear that they
want something to help alleviate their problems. He said one thing that he
didn?t realize, which was brought out by the residents is that apparently years
ago a child was killed on Gettysburg Way as a result of a traffic accident who
attended Liberty Baptist Church and said they really don?t want to see that
happen again.
Mayor Wetheington said that was one of the largest crowds that he has ever
seen of the neighborhood program. He said we had to move out of the hall into
the sanctuary, which was overflowing. He said they had a lot of concerns and he
has addressed a number of them with the Police Chief and have talked with the
City Manager about Tiger Creek. He said they were very supportive of the
efforts that the Police Department is making in giving them some presence in
their neighborhood.
Councilor Barnes said they were very much concerned about Gettysburg
Way. He said he knows that Councilor Hunter has received a number of telephone
calls, as he has also received a number of calls about a number of areas; and
said he would ask the City Manager to have us to do a re-look at our procedures
for traffic calming devices. He said he has one area that has almost been a
year now where the citizens have turned in a survey and they are still waiting
on something to be done. He said he thinks that is entirely too long. He said
he thinks that they have gone out a number of times; but at least twice that he
knows about and they say it?s no problem. He said this pertains to Celia Drive,
Wellborn Drive and Gettysburg Way. He said how could the people who live there
be saying there is a problem, but we say it?s not a problem. He said he wants
us to take another look at the way we do it; because he thinks the process
needs to be tweaked. He said in his estimation. it is not meeting the needs of
the citizens; therefore, we need to do something about it. He said there are
too many areas and Gettysburg Way is at the top of the list and said a child
was killed there. He said there are many children on Gettysburg Way. He said
he gets at least one call a week regarding Celia Drive, Gettysburg Way, and
Wellborn Drive.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON?S
COMMENTS:________________________________________________
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE; SALES TAX ON VEHICLES IN MUSCOGEE COUNTY ?
INVESTIGATION OF OVERCHARGE; INTERDENOMINATIONAL MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE AND
HEALTH CARE COST:____________________________________________________
Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatio Lane, said he would like to talk about health
care on tonight. He said he was at the town hall meeting on last Wednesday,
which was held by Congressman Sanford Bishop. He said he asked Congressman
Bishop a question, which was, if he was for microchip implant, but said he
would not give an answer. He said a lady in the audience yelled out, yes or no
Congressman Bishop, but he still wouldn?t give an answer.
He also spoke for several minutes regarding a preventive health device and
device tracking, as well as RFID microchip; which he said stands for Radio
Frequency Identification.
Mr. Olson also made several comments with respect to what?s included in
the President?s health care bill.
MS. JEANNE L. DUGAS, RE: OBSERVATION ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN
MUSCOGEE COUNTY:__________
Mayor Wetherington said he met with Ms. Jeanne L. Dugas this afternoon and
said she has some law enforcement issues that she wanted to talk with him
about. He said she is not here on tonight because he thinks that we have
settled those issues.
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MR. EMMETT P. VOORHEES, RE: VARIANCE ON PLANTING TREES FOR A PARKING LOT
EXPANSION:_________________________________
Mr. Emmett P. Voorhees, who requested to be listed on the Public Agenda to
discuss a variance on planting trees for a parking lot expansion did not
respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
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MR. JIM RHODES, RE: VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CENTER AND
LOCATION:______________________________________________________
Mr. Jim Rhodes said they have been working trying to get a Veterans
Administration Center here in Columbus. He said Senator Isakson, who is on the
Senate Committee for Veterans Affairs has indicated that we were going to get a
new facility, Veterans Center in Columbus, as well as Richmond County, Augusta
before the end of next year. He said we have been short changed on this thing
for a long time, and he thinks now that we are in a position to get something
done, if we could get the Mayor to write letters to Senator Isakson and Senator
Chambers to communicate with the Mayor. He said the Mayor has been working on
trying to get us a Veterans Center for a long time now.
He said they gave them the old welcome center on Victory Drive and we
didn?t want it some time ago. He said that is when General Wheeler was head of
the State Veterans and we tried to get him to come in with the Veterans and get
a new building then; but we had to take what they left us. He said he is glad
that they did get the building because the work that has been done down there
has allowed them to be able to get Tri-care for life started. He said if you
have Medicare Part A & B; then your medical bills are taken care of, but said
the only thing is that they can?t get to you.
He then made reference to a newspaper article in the Columbus Ledger
Enquirer with respect to a Veterans Center. He said he has talked with City
Manager Hugley about this matter and said he is looking into it, to see about a
place to locate a new Veterans Center. He said they don?t want to go to Martin
Army hospital and they don?t want to go to Baker Village; he said they don?t
want an old building, but want a new facility like the Senator said we were
going to get. He said he thinks the best place for the Veterans Center would be
at the same location with the new library.
Mayor Wetherington said he would write a letter and send them a copy of
the editorial as well that was in the newspaper. He said he would like to thank
Mr. Rhodes for what he does because he has always been out front on Veterans
issues and we are grateful for that.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING SIX RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:________
A Resolution (294-09) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into an
Intergovernmental Agreement with the Columbus Convention and Visitors' Bureau
for appropriation of the Hotel/Motel Tax and to designate the Columbus
Convention and Visitors Bureau as the official destination marketing
organization for the City.
A Resolution (295-09) ? Authorizing the acceptance of funds from the
Georgia Department of Transportation and to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Gateway Foundation for the Fort Benning Landscaping
Enhancement Project.
A Resolution (296-09) ? Authorizing tax abatements, under the Enterprise
Zone Act, for Glover-Auten Foods, a wholesale food service company, located at
1333 Cusseta Road.
A Resolution (297-09) ? Authorizing a waiver of Section 3.2.63.C and G.5
(A) (1) of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regulating temporary uses
and special events until January 1, 2010.
A Resolution (298-09) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved accept additional funding from the Council of Juvenile Court Judges
of Georgia for a Purchase of a Service Grant.
A Resolution (299-09) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Greenfield
Court, portion of Greenfield Drive and portion of Whisper Glen Drive located in
Section Two, Sable Oaks of Midland. The Department of Engineering has
inspected these streets and recommends the acceptance.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE ALSO EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING: _______
A Resolution (300-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Robinson Paving Company, in the amount of $315,119.00, for
handicap ramps and sidewalks. Robinson Paving Company will construct handicap
ramps and sidewalks on portions of the following: 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue, 3rd
Avenue, 5th Avenue, 7th Street, 8th Street, 9th Street, 10th Street, 12th
Avenue, 12th Street, 35th Street, Benning Drive, Blackmon Road, Broadway,
College Drive, East Highland Area, Forest Avenue, Howard Avenue, Jay Street,
Ormand Drive, Veterans Parkway, and Victory Drive.
A Resolution (301-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Advanced Systems, Inc., in the amount of $1,198,873.00, for the
construction of Fire Station No. 2. Advanced Systems, Inc., will construct a
3-bay fire station at 33rd Street and 11th Avenue. The work consists of, but
is not limited to, the following major elements: concrete slab on grade, load
bearing masonry walls with brick veneer, wood roof trusses, metal roofing
(approximately 4,200 square feet for apparatus and approximately 3,800 square
feet for dormitory style housing). The work includes all civil, paving,
landscaping, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
A Resolution (302-09) ? Authorizing the approval to the addition of the
following Contractors be added to the current Professional A & E Services
Annual Contract, in the specified categories: Architectural Services: Neal,
Kendust & Murray and Sizemore Group, LLC; Engineering Services: Moon, Meeks,
Mason & Vinson and Health & Lineback Engineers. Services will be required on
an as needed basis and costs will be negotiated per project. The current
Professional A & E Services, RFP No. 06-0010, contract was awarded in the
specified categories to the following: Architectural Services: 2WR/Andras
Architects and Kenneth Levy; Engineering Services: W. K. Dickson and Stantec
Consulting Services, which was approved under Resolution No. 276-06, July 11,
2006. With all of the upcoming projects and the limited number of consultants
currently on contract it will be beneficial to retain the current contractors
and contract with additional Contractors. The current Contractors were not
required to submit new proposals. Therefore, the City advertised a new RFP for
additional Contractors. Proposals were requested from qualified firms to
provide Professional A & E Services.
A Resolution (303-09) ? Authorizing the approval of a contract with
Motorola, in the amount of $1,780,000.00, for the expansion of the E911 Center,
to include, two dispatch consoles and the upgrade of the current mobile data
system to provide high performance (high speed) data transmission to City
vehicles equipped with mobile data computers. The Police Department desires to
install these two additional Dispatch Positions in the 911 Center in order to
support the growth of the Department by 100 Officers and the addition of ten
beats to the City. These two positions must be added to the Radio System prior
to December 2009 in order to be able to add them at all. They will not be
available after that date and the city will not be able to expand the 911
Center without totally replacing the console system at a greatly increased
cost. This project will procure and install the radio equipment, telephone
equipment, Computer Aided Dispatch equipment, all software licenses and the
necessary console furniture with chairs for two fully equipped dispatch
positions.
A Resolution (304-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of nine (9) mid-size
sedans from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA), in the amount of $17,678.00 each,
for a total purchase amount of $159,102.00. The sedans are replacement units
that will be utilized by the Fire/EMS department as administrative vehicles.
On May 26, 2009 Council approved the purchase of a mid-size sedan from
Rivertown Ford, per Resolution No. 193-09, RFB No. 09-0033 (Option #4). The
bid specifications required vendors to submit a bid price for future purchases
during the FY10 budget year. Rivertown Ford submitted a bid price of
$17,678.00, per unit, for future FY10 purchases. The vendor has provided
written confirmation to honor the bid price.
A Resolution (305-09) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to Motorola,
in the amount of $72,742.00, for the annual maintenance agreement (July 2009
through July 2010) for the E-911 Center?s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System.
The Police Department (through the 911 Center), Marshal?s Office and Sheriff?s
Office uses the CAD System to dispatch the various Public Safety Units
throughout the City as they are needed. This equipment is a critical part of
Public Safety communications system. Council approved the purchase of the CAD
system from Motorola on July 18, 2006 per Resolution #296-06. The initial
warranty has expired and the system must be covered by a comprehensive 24/7/365
maintenance agreement with Motorola in order to assure rapid, accurate repairs
and minimal downtime.
A Resolution (306-09) ? Authorizing the approval of payment of attorney
fees to Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford, P.C., in the amount of
$32,043.69, for legal services rendered regarding various City issues during
July through August; approval is also requested for contingent attorney fees
that may be incurred during the remainder of FY10.
A Resolution (307-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Robinson Paving Company, in the amount of $663,681.00, for Warm
Springs Bike Trail Phase Two. The work includes clearing, grubbing, grading
and construction of a walkway at grade.
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CONSTRUCTION OF A FIRE STATION:
City Manager Hugley in response to a question of Councilor McDaniel said
one fire station will be on 29th Street and the second one will be on Jay
Street. Mayor Wetherington said the fire station on 29th Street was built in
1945. He said we are going to move the station and have a new location at 33rd
Street/11th Avenue.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said it would be in the outfield area of
Rosehill ballpark. With respect to the property on 29th Street, he said there
is currently some discussion about the re-use of that property; but there has
not been any decisions made on the disposition of it. He said the plans all
along have been to locate that fire station to the Rosehill area. He said with
the closing of the old Station 3 in Bibb City, the relocation of Station 2 to
the Rosehill site more centrally locates that into the current territory for
that station.
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FINANCING OF VEHICLES:
Councilor Davis asked if we have looked into financing vehicles and
opportunities that the Federal government is presenting to cities; opening and
offering to city, such as bond financing in the re-investment and redevelopment
act that they are trying to get jumpstarted and allowing cities to benefit from
Federal stimulus money.
City Manager Hugley said there is Federal stimulus money for bond
recovery. He said he believes that there is $2 million available to Columbus,
but there are certain stipulations and requirements; and he don?t believe that
vehicles would be eligible for that bond recovery money, but some projects in
economically depressed areas are eligible for these funds. He said he has asked
the staff to prepare a final packet to bring to the Council at the end of
September that they have spoken about. He said they would consider where they
might be able to use that $2 million as they bring forward a final list of
projects that we might consider in a bond packet.
In responding further to Councilor Davis, as to what is the name of the
program that they are offering, City Manager Hugley said it is the American
Bond Recovery; he said he don?t know the exact name, but said it is bond
recovery stimulus funds that would be available to cities; which has something
to do with your unemployment rate over a period of time. He said he thinks the
name is Build America Bonds.
Councilor Davis said he came across some information but he didn?t bring
it with him tonight, but said he will get that information to the City Manager.
He said he don?t know if they are talking about the same program, but said it
is his understanding that it was a greater amount to start other projects of a
greater magnitude than what the City Manager is talking about. He said he don?t
think the fire station is part of the L.O.S.T. and said we have talked about
bond funding through several agencies, but he don?t believe Fire Station 2 is a
part of the L.O.S.T.
City Manager Hugley said the fire station was a part of the Special
Purpose Local Option Sales Tax projects.
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PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT DRUG CARDS:
Councilor Woodson said she and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh brought forth
some information regarding a prescription discount drug card that could be made
available from CVS and said the staff was supposed to research this matter and
make them available for the citizens. She said she just heard in the news on
last week that Phenix City already has their discount cards available for their
citizens and said we are still waiting here for ours. She said it has been
several months now and she would like to know what is the hold up; what is the
status. She said why is it that other communities can implement it so much
quicker than we can?
City Manager Hugley said we have moved forward with the implementation of
the program and we have done a couple of news releases, which he thought had
already gone out. He said the Human Resources Director was supposed to be
contacting you (Woodson) because two of the quotes in the new releases were
attributed to you. He said if it has not gone out already as a news release it
should be getting ready to go out because he read the news release two weeks
ago.
He said he don?t know the exact status, but said our program is in place
and we?ve designed how we are going to implement it. He said we were going to
do two new releases; which should have gone out already, but he would check on
the status of that matter. He said he has the news release before him on the
computer and said they are scheduled to go out on September 1st & September 8th
.
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OLD WELCOME CENTER RENOVATIONS:
Mayor Wetherington said he wanted to let Councilors Henderson and Barnes
know that they got an extension for the state inmates, where they will soon
begin the renovations on the Old Welcome Center that is used for the Veterans.
He said Councilor Henderson included money in the budget this year for that
project, and the project would take about six months to complete the
renovations.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley said he knows that the City Attorney has already asked
for an executive session after the adjournment of tonight?s Council meeting to
discuss a matter of potential litigation and said that he also has a matter of
potential litigation that he would like to discuss.
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FORREST ROAD WIDENING:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to thank the engineering
staff, as well as the planning staff for the meeting that was held at Forrest
Road Elementary School last night to show the constituents the proposed
three-lane road project. She said if the citizens didn?t get their questions
asked on last night, they could call 311 and still log their questions with
them.
City Manager Hugley said if they want to know about the Forrest Road
widening project or any road project, they can call 311 and they will connect
them to our Planning Department.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said there was an extremely good turnout of
people who came out to see the proposed road project; however, she wants
everybody to know that they can still give comments or ask questions.
She said she would like to say thanks to the staff who was there during the
meeting.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:_________________________________________________
(1) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Willette Roundtree, Councilor McDaniel?s
nominee to
replace Ms. Josephina Takemoto on the Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission.
(2) Letter from Mr. Paul Olson, Re: Sales tax on the purchase of vehicles for
Muscogee County residents.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted correspondence from Mark McCollum,
Secretary to the Board of the Community Development Advisory Council,
requesting that the seat of Mr. Tyrone Rowe, be declared vacant due to him no
longer residing in Muscogee County.
Councilor Henderson moved the seat be declared vacant. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:____________
Application of Clementine Stephens to temporarily close 49th Street and
50th Street from 11th Avenue to 12th Avenue, on Saturday, August 29, 2009, from
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in connection with a ?Family Gathering?.
Councilor Woodson moved the application be approved. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close the 1100 block of
Broadway from 11th Street to 12th Street on Friday, September 11, 2009, from
4:00 p.m. to Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 2:00 a.m. 1000 block of Broadway
from 10th Street to 11th Street and 11th Street from Front Avenue to 1st
Avenue, Friday September 11, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to Saturday, September 12,
2009 at 2:00 a.m. and Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to Sunday,
September 13, 2009 at 2:00 a.m. in connection with a ?Benefit for Our House?.
Councilor Woodson moved approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________
Board of Health, June 24, 2009.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 28-09 and 29-09.
Budget Review Committee, May 19, 2009.
C.I.R.C.L.E., June 12, 2007.
C.I.R.C.L.E., August 13, 2007.
C.I.R.C.L.E., April 14, 2009.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, June 17, 2009.
Development Authority, July 2 & 6, 2009.
Uptown Facade Board, July 20, 2009.
Councilor Allen moved approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Carmel Biggers, and Mr.
Donald Bowman?s terms of office expired back in March and that they are not
eligible to succeed themselves and a nomination would be needed for these
seats. She said the Mayor is working on a replacement for Mr. Biggers? seat and
the Council will need to nominate someone to succeed
Mr. Bowman. There was no action taken.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):
_______________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council has declared the
seat of Ms. Deidre Williams vacant and that they will need to nominate someone
else for this position.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Steven D?Ostroph has
resigned from his seat on the Community Development Advisory Council. She said
this is Councilor Henderson?s nominee.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Rev. Joseph Roberson is no
longer a resident of Muscogee County and that we need someone to fill this
unexpired term. She said we might have a possible candidate for this board, as
we have received a bio from someone who is interested in serving and said she
will forward these bios to the Council.
*** *** ***
EMPLOYEES? PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Omagene Holland has
resigned as the Retired City Employees Association representative on this board
and that the Mayor is nominating Mr. Robert Spence to fill this unexpired term
and said that he may be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Eva Smith has resigned
from her seat on the Historic & Architectural Review Board and that Council
will need to nominate someone to fill this unexpired term.
There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still have two District
Councilors who have not submitted their nominee for their respective districts
for the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission. She said those nominations are
Melba Spurlock to replace Marie Lewis; District 2 representative, and Camille
Walkinshaw to succeed Susie Hamlet, Council District 7 Representative who is
not eligible to succeed herself.
Councilor Davis then nominated Ms. Melba Spurlock to replace- Marie
Lewis. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved that she be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington further pointed out that Mr. William Kendall
was nominated to fill the at-large seat that was vacated by Mr. Stan Stovall,
who was moved to the District 4 seat. She said that he could now be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
Councilor Woodson said she is still waiting on some individuals to contact
her before making a decision as to whom she will nominate. The Keep Columbus
Beautiful Commission is recommending Camille Walkinshaw to replace Susie Hamlet.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Ms. Josephina Takemoto?s
seat has been declared vacant and that Councilor McDaniel is nominating Ms.
Willette Roundtree to fill this seat.
*** *** ***
LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
William Baird, Mr. Terry Hattaway and Mr. Joseph Powell have expired on the
Land Bank Authority and that they are eligible to succeed themselves for
another term of office.
She further pointed out that Mr. Rob Doll has resigned from his seat on
the Land Bank Authority and that this is the Mayor?s appointment. There were
no nominations.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Dr. John E. Stephens has
resigned from his seat on the Public Safety Advisory Commission and said this
is Councilor Anthony?s nomination and he is working on getting a replacement
for this seat.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Bradford Haines has
resigned from his seat on the Recreation Advisory Board. She said this is
Council Davis? nomination. There was no nomination.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor McDaniel has a
nominee for this board. He then nominated Ms. Claudya Muller for
Mr. Milton Anthony?s seat. She also pointed that Mr. James R. Head and Ms.
Dorothy McDaniel was nominated for another term of office at the last meeting
by Councilor Henderson and said they may now be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUT:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last meeting
Councilor Henderson nominated Ms. Jacki Lowe and Mr. Carmen Cavezza for another
term of office and they may now be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson moved they be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
Mayor Wetherington then asked if there was anyone else in the audience who
wanted to be heard. There were none.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay and City Manager Hugley,
Mayor Wetherington said he would entertain a motion to allow the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation.
*** *** ***
RECOGNITION OF EAGLE SCOUT:
Mayor Wetherington recognized the presence of a young eagle scout who was
present in the Council Chambers. The young man identified himself as Joel
Schinten. He said he is working on two merit badges and that is why he is here
tonight because one of the requirements is to attend a Council meeting. He said
he is in Troop 100 and lives in Phenix City.
Joel?s father said they have learned a lot by attending this meeting and
seeing the actions that have taken place. He said Joel is working on his
communication merit badge and citizenship in the community, which is one of the
requirements that he must have in order to obtain his eagle badge.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to allow the Council to go
into executive session. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
At 6:20 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation.
*** *** ***
At 7:19 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in executive and discussed
matters of potential litigation, but there were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION:
Mayor Wetherington said he would like to remind the Council that he still
needs to get some input from them with respect to the Crime Prevention
director?s position. He said they are in the process of updating the ordinance
and said for those who haven?t given your input, to please contact him or Judy
Thomas concerning this matter.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Allen then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting, and the time being 7:20 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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